Lead Front End Shopify Engineer

Who We Are

VML, part of WPP, is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human first, award-winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization.

In addition, VML's specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world's largest and most awarded health agencies. VML's global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.

About WPP

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company - powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit

We are VML Enterprise Solutions - a group of talented engineers, tech experts, and creators who combine our passions and contribute to the IT world. You may know us better as Wunderman Thompson Technology - in 2024 we changed our name, but at the same time, we remained a great team of people who deliver our best. We design, build, manage and run complex technology platforms and help our clients to benefit from our work and creativity.

To work as a Lead Shopify Developer on an exciting fast paced account, for our client who is a global leader in the health and hygiene market, supporting other developers within the account whilst taking ownership in key tech decisions.

What you'll get to do:

* Develop and maintain high-quality, production-ready Shopify front-end code, including reusable components and theme areas, adhering to architectural standards and best practices.

* Lead front-end development work streams within an Agile environment, contributing to planning, estimation, and daily stand-ups, while mentoring junior developers.

* Collaborate with design, marketing, and technical teams to understand requirements, propose solutions, and ensure seamless integration with marketing tools, platform APIs, and Shopify Apps.

* Drive quality through code reviews, unit testing, accessibility improvements, and performance optimization, while staying current with evolving standards and technologies.

* Own end-to-end development, from concept to delivery, including ongoing maintenance, scaling, and support of recruitment efforts.

* Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders to address issues, escalate concerns, and present solutions.

What you should have:

* Shopify Front-End Development Expertise:
Deep proficiency in developing and maintaining high-quality, production-ready Shopify themes and custom storefronts using Liquid, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

* Component-Based Architecture:
Experience in developing reusable UI components and adhering to architectural standards and front-end best practices.

* Agile Methodologies:
Solid understanding and practical experience working within Agile development environments (e.g., Scrum, Kanban), including participation in planning, estimation, and daily stand-ups.

* Technical Leadership & Mentorship:
Proven ability to lead front-end development work streams, provide technical guidance, and mentor junior developers.

* API & Third-Party Integrations:
Experience integrating with various marketing tools, platform APIs, and Shopify Apps to ensure seamless functionality.

* Code Quality & Best Practices:
Strong commitment to driving quality through rigorous code reviews, unit testing, and adherence to coding standards.

* Web Performance Optimization:
Practical knowledge and experience in optimizing web performance for fast loading times and smooth user experiences.

* Web Accessibility (WCAG):
Understanding and application of web accessibility standards to ensure inclusive user interfaces.

* Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Excellent ability to collaborate effectively with design, marketing, and other technical teams to gather requirements, propose solutions, and deliver integrated features.

* End-to-End Ownership:
Capability to own the full development lifecycle, from concept and design to delivery, ongoing maintenance, and scalability.

* Problem-Solving & Solution Design:
Strong analytical skills to understand complex requirements, identify challenges, and propose effective technical solutions.

* Technical & Non-Technical Communication:
Exceptional communication skills, able to…